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I was chatting with a delightful friend the other day who said she simply did not know what she was going to do as she grew older. She is about 80 years old. She had not made any kind of plan for her senior years. In fact, she said she didn’t even know where to start! If we are honest, who does? It seems overwhelming and confusing.
Below is a short list of where to start with a plan. Getting these types of professionals in your corner before you need them is a very satisfying beginning to what you want your later years in life to look like. Believe me when I say, if you don’t do it, someone else will and they may not do what you want but what they want or what is most convenient for them. I can understand that but that means you give up control! So, sit down, make a short list and get going with the rest of your happy, purposeful plan that outlines what you want for your senior years.
Whether you stay in your home or move to a senior community or even if you move in with your adult children, many of these professionals need to be in your
arsenal of helpers and assistants.
Elder law attorney. This type of attorney is best for helping you make decisions for your senior years. They are up to speed on all the latest laws that affect seniors, such as Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts, etc. Please, do not use another legal specialty. Yes, I know your son’s wife is a real estate attorney, and a good one, but I promise you she will not be up to snuff on what relates to you and your aging needs no matter how much she loves you!
Geriatric doctor. The reason for using this type of special medical expert is the same as using an elder law attorney; they are simply more knowledgeable about the medical needs of seniors in their area of expertise. Wouldn’t you rather see a geriatrician to set your broken arm than a cancer specialist? Simply makes sense. A subset of this professional is a medication manager. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Financial Advisor. A professionally trained expert in money management, funds, savings, etc., can look at your finances with no bias, no prejudice. She will assist you in making sure you have money for the future. This is so important because the number one fear seniors have as they begin to age is running out of money!
Sure, it is just fine to ask family members to help with your plan, but a professional will keep it factual, unemotional and professional.
Spiritual Advisor or the equivalent. Aging is not easy. Sometimes we need someone who is not a family member to simply listen to what is worrying us, what is scaring us, what we want our family to know. A spiritual advisor is such a good source for this type of need. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment to simply “chat”.
A realtor. If you plan to move anywhere and sell your home, there is a special Real Estate designation called an SRES, Senior Real Estate Specialist. They have extra training in how to sell/buy for seniors. Ask for it!
A best friend. When we have so much on our mind as we begin to make such big life decisions, it is always such a blessing to have a special person with whom we can talk about everything, who will give us their honest opinion or who will simply listen. What a gift!
This is a starting list of professionals who can help you with your “aging plan”. You can pick and choose what you may need to make these exciting years even easier
as we go forth where we have never gone before.
The most important part? Start now! It is never too early!
Happy Aging and Happy New Year,
Sue
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